A RECORD number of players took part in a football tournament in memory of Wirral schoolboy Elliot Wild, who lost a brave battle with cancer.
The Claire House Cup at Wirral Rugby Club during the weekend. It featured 1400 children in 148 teams.
The event raised £29,120.50p, beating last year's total of £15,000.
Nine-year-old Elliot died from leukaemia in 2011, but mum Jackie threw herself into fundraising for the hospice and has so far raised £160,000.
She told the Globe today: "Thanks to all the kids who raised a phenomenal amount to help other kids at Claire House."
Action from the Claire House Cup. Picture: Geoff Davies
Organised by JM Sports Coaching and Everton FC and football squads, it was open to from under sixes to under 13s.
Action from the Claire House Cup. Picture: Geoff Davies
Action from the Claire House Cup. Picture: Geoff Davies
Higher Bebington Celtic under nines had raised £2160 in sponsorship and Greenleas under eights raised £1600. JM were that staggered with the amounts they are sponsoring both teams for a year.
Higher Bebington Celtic with their sponsorship cheque
Elliot's cousin Oscar plays for Higher Bebington Under nines, who won the Claire house. The event was sponsored by Bagnall & Morris.
Greenleas under eight's squad with (front, second left) Elliot's mum Jackie. Picture: Geoff Davies
Elliot's mum Jackie continued: "The day was fantastic. The kids were all excited and we saw some fantastic football played.
“There was a real buzz this year at the tournament. We would like to thank the team at JM Sports and Ray Redmond at Everton for their support.
“It was very emotional, but no better way to remember our special little boy, Elliot.
“Thank you to everyone who took part. We are truly grateful.”
Elliot was first diagnosed with leukaemia in April 2009 after mum Jackie noticed he had become lethargic. Once diagnosed, he was quickly operated on.
But after more than a year of remission with regular treatment and check-ups, doctors discovered that the cancer had come back stronger than ever.
Elliot was a keen Liverpool FC supporter and the club took him to their hearts.
He went to the LFC TV studios with Jackie to appeal for supporters to register with the Anthony Nolan charity in the hope that one fan may prove a match for the youngster and help save his life.
Despite setbacks, Elliot fought on and even managed to star in his own LFC TV show at Christmas, putting his own questions to keeper Pepe Reina during a special edition of "SmallTalk."
Elliot's final game at Anfield was as a guest of the club for the recent match against Manchester United when he visited the Players' Lounge afterwards to congratulate his heroes.
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